A Maine Woman Snags A Rare Platinum Ticket On ‘American Idol’

Way to go Julia, we are all rooting for you!

Only three contestants get the much sought-after "Platinum Ticket" each season on American Idol, and last night, a Cumberland woman, named Julia Gagnon, brought down the house with a rousing rendition of the Aretha Franklin classic "Ain't No Way"

To say that Luke Byran, Katy Perry & Lionel Richie were impressed, would be an understatement, because the three contestants who receive a platinum ticket, not only get to advance to Hollywood, like people who get a golden one, but they also get to skip the first Hollywood round.

Julia, who is just 21 years old, is a student at the University of Southern Maine. She was always shy growing up, but when she decided to go for it at Central Maine Idol, which is held each summer at the Quarry Tap Room, in Hallowell, a star was born!

The Quarry Tap Room is where Julia was last night because they held a viewing party to celebrate her success.

Now the fun begins, when her next episode airs, this Sunday night, March 31st. Julia will take on 150 contestants, to try to make her way to the Top 24

American Idol airs at 8 pm, on ABC 7, or you can stream it the next day on Hulu

Check out these videos of how it all began for Julia, when she captured the Central Maine Idol crown, last summer! More importantly, never give up on a dream, because as Julia is about to prove to the world, anything is possible!